3.5.1 Cell Differentiation

• What is the process by which unspecialized stem cells transform into specialized cells with distinct structures and functions called?

  Cell differentiation
• Cell differentiation enables multicellular organisms to develop complex tissues and organs
• Cell differentiation is driven by gene expression and epigenetic modifications.
• What do transcription factors bind to in DNA to regulate gene expression during cell differentiation?

  Specific DNA sequences
• Transcription factors play a crucial role in cell differentiation by regulating gene expression
• Which transcription factor activates genes for muscle cell development?

  MyoD
• What is the role of Hox genes in cell differentiation?

  Regulates body plan formation
• Match the environmental factor with its influence on cell differentiation:

  Mechanical Stress ↔️ Affects cell shape and fate

  Growth Factors ↔️ Regulate proliferation and differentiation

  Hormones ↔️ Control developmental processes
• Environmental factors work alongside genetic mechanisms to determine cell fate
• What is influenced by environmental factors in cell differentiation?

  Gene expression
• Mechanical stress affects cell shape and fate
• Environmental factors work alongside genetic mechanisms to determine cell fate.
• What is the definition of cell differentiation?

  Specialized cell transformation
• Transcription factors bind to specific DNA sequences to activate or suppress genes
• The MyoD gene activates genes for muscle cell development.
• Match the gene with its function in differentiation:

  MyoD ↔️ Activates muscle cell genes

  Hox ↔️ Regulates body plan
• What role do transcription factors play in cell differentiation?

  Regulate gene expression
• The Pax6 gene is essential for eye development.
• What are examples of chemical signals that influence cell differentiation?

  Growth factors, hormones
• Environmental factors, transcription factors, and gene expression work together to determine cell fate
• Order the following cell types by their developmental origin:

  1️⃣ Mesoderm: Muscle Cells

  2️⃣ Ectoderm: Nerve Cells

  3️⃣ Mesoderm: Blood Cells
• Which transcription factor is expressed in muscle cells during differentiation?

  MyoD
• GATA1 promotes red blood cell development, while PU.1 aids in leukocyte formation.
• Undifferentiated stem cells have high potency
• Cell differentiation enables the formation of diverse tissues and organs from stem cells.
• Match the cell characteristic with its type:

  High potency ↔️ Undifferentiated stem cell

  Limited division ↔️ Specialized cell